In a significant shift for Miami-Dade County’s leadership, PortMiami Director Hydi Webb has announced her retirement after an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Webb’s departure is part of a broader reorganization within the county’s administrative team, which includes several key appointments and retirements.
The announcement, made by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on June 4, highlights Webb’s instrumental role in establishing PortMiami as a global leader in the cruise and cargo industries. Under her leadership, the port has seen substantial growth, welcoming a record 8.2 million cruise passengers in 2026 alone.
Leadership Changes at PortMiami
With Webb’s retirement, Deputy Port Director Frederick Wong will step in as the interim director. Wong brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the chief operating officer of the Jacksonville Port Authority and being appointed deputy port director in 2026. The search for a permanent replacement is currently underway.
County-Wide Administrative Restructuring
The leadership changes extend beyond PortMiami, affecting various departments within Miami-Dade County. Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales has also retired after more than five years in the role, which involved overseeing the daily operations of the county government.
Chief Roy Coley has been promoted to deputy mayor, taking on the supervision of several critical departments. These include PortMiamiMiami International Airportthe Department of Transportation and Public Worksthe Water and Sewer Departmentthe Department of Solid Waste Managementthe Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Departmentthe Department of Environmental Resources Managementand the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.
The reorganization also expands the role of Chief of Staff Christopher Hudtwalckerwho will now oversee both the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Miami-Dade Public Library System. Additionally, Chief of Public Safety Arnold Palmer will assume responsibility for the Department of Housing and Community Developmentin addition to his current duties. Chief Carladenise Edwards will continue overseeing the county’s administrative departments as part of efforts to improve efficiency and streamline government services.
The retirement of Hydi Webb and the subsequent leadership changes mark a new chapter for Miami-Dade County. As the county continues to grow and evolve, these administrative shifts aim to enhance operational efficiency and maintain the high standards set by previous leaders.
